Do lunatics help or hurt an online forum?

[Worf]

I've been on MANY a online forum, and like many, if not all of you, I've run into my share of trolls, crumudgeons and lunatics. They're similar but slightly different. To my mind this is how they run.

Trolls: Are evil, small minded people who derive pleasure from inflicting the greatest amount of harm on the greatest number possible. They're bullies and animal torturers who, given the anonymity of the web, feel free to say and do whatever they like. Funny part is, in the end they still wake up with themselves no matter how many they hurt.

Crumudgeons: Usually salty old codgers who quickly exhibit their distain for modernity and the latest fads. They constantly rail against this or that, them and those... BUT unlike Trolls they tend to know what lines not to cross and rarely engage in personal attacks. As far as I'm concerned all forums are better served with a few of them around.

Lunatic: This last category I find most puzzling. These people just flat out make no sense. They're mentally and verbally all over the place. They're usually not "overly" nasty but still manage really annoy all involved. The funny part about it is... they tend to liven up the joint if by nothing else infuriating people enough to post.

I still frequent a particular Audio forum and it had an active membership of almost six figures. Now it's a ghost town and part of the reason was the systematic purge many of the unique characters that used to dwell there. You think this place has arguements, you should see them go hammer a tong over tube vs. digital etc... It got rough... but it was ALIVE. I'm just curious what others might think.

Worf

 

[pawineguy]

Interesting topic Worf, and I will be the first to admit that I often stoop down to the level of some of those on the lunatic fringe. (or maybe I'm out on the fringe with them.) I think it is almost imperative that we have an interesting mix of people, to keep things lively and so we don't spend too much time slapping each other on the back. (which I also engage in, but only when I genuinely like something I see or read)

Each of us has our own particular "line in the sand", which triggers us to either disengage from someone, or conversely, to engage with them more aggressively to "expose" them, at least from our own perspective. I mean honestly, where would this place be without nuts like you, HD, Fanch, Sloan and Louis? I thought you might put up a poll and ask us to place each particular member in one of the categories above. This way we would all know their current state. The other option would be to add something to our profiles, so that we could at least self-identify. I'm choosing lunatic for myself, but I'm hoping with a little support and growth, I can one day be a curmudgeon.

 

[LizzieMaine]

As a dedicated curmudgienne, I'm not at all unbiased in a question like this. And as a Bartender, I've learned to distinguish among all the types you mention. We've had more than our share of actual trolls over the years but they usually make themselves known very quickly, and we've all proven to be pretty sharp when it comes to ferreting them out when they reappear under new identities. As online forums go, this one is pretty troll-free most of the time. We don't often have to play whack-a-troll the way they do on some of the less-moderated internet forums. We've got a reputation for being unfriendly to that type of thing, and we like it that way.

We wouldn't be the Lounge without curmudgeonry, and most of us who fall into that camp know how to get along with each other even when we don't agree on the specifics of whatever one of us is grousing about. And most of us at least have a sense of humor about our grousing. I'm sure there's single-minded folk here who'd rather the Lounge be all stitch-counting all the time, but I'd think it'd be a pretty tedious and joyless place for those of who just wear clothes rather than fetishize them. I know I wouldn't have any interest in being part of a place like that.

We've also had a few actual loons here over the years. Not very many, because generally they're so loony that they burn themselves out before we even have to do something about them. But they're good for a laugh or two while they last.

 

[Harp]

Irish poet scoundrel. Prodigal black sheep and no one in my family understands me.lol But I love the Fedora Lounge. :love:

 

[lthr]

Interesting categorization! How'd you came up with all that? I'm curious.

I don't see eye-to-eye with you on this one though. I see trolls as jokers who like getting reactions outta people, many of whom act similarly in real life just less boldly due to a possible fist in their face. Either way, they're utterly annoying and I rarely go to forums where you could find such.

Curmudgeons(** - check spelling!): Sounds like those annoying people who just wanna complain. I haven't met many of them online and I tend to do my best to avoid them in the real world.

As for lunatics, it sounds like the people I consider of very low intelligence whenever I read one of their posts. Seems to hang around every forum, at least a few of 'em.

I think the trolls make the more socially-conscious and empathetic folks talk and try to restrain them, while Curmudgeons end topics pretty quickly or give grounds for trolls to begin their work, and lunatics either make people silently chuckle at their screens or let semi-trolls make fun of them.

 

[lthr]

Interesting topic Worf, and I will be the first to admit that I often stoop down to the level of some of those on the lunatic fringe. (or maybe I'm out on the fringe with them.) I think it is almost imperative that we have an interesting mix of people, to keep things lively and so we don't spend too much time slapping each other on the back. (which I also engage in, but only when I genuinely like something I see or read)

Each of us has our own particular "line in the sand", which triggers us to either disengage from someone, or conversely, to engage with them more aggressively to "expose" them, at least from our own perspective. I mean honestly, where would this place be without nuts like you, HD, Fanch, Sloan and Louis? I thought you might put up a poll and ask us to place each particular member in one of the categories above. This way we would all know their current state. The other option would be to add something to our profiles, so that we could at least self-identify. I'm choosing lunatic for myself, but I'm hoping with a little support and growth, I can one day be a curmudgeon.

Oh, I also think there should be fourth category, then: 'weirdos'; people who post weird stuff that make people discuss, talk and think. Like this topic. I find it weird, but I liked it, it was an interesting thought and - let's call it - observation.

 

[Stanley Doble]

A large problem these days is hired trolls sent to discredit and derail forums their pay masters disagree with, are afraid of, or want destroyed for any reason. You won't see that here but I see it all the time on forums that are more oriented towards social, political or business issues. If your forum deviates from the mainstream approved line you will be attacked, discredited and if possible destroyed.


PS I am a little curious about which category I fit in. I was going for Curmudgeon but will settle for loon.

 

[Frunobulax]

Oh, I also think there should be fourth category, then: 'weirdos'; people who post weird stuff that make people discuss, talk and think. Like this topic. I find it weird, but I liked it, it was an interesting thought and - let's call it - observation.

I'm hoping some day to have enough money that I'll be eccentric instead of weird.

 

[Burma Schave]

I'm beginning to understand why the Suits section in the FL is just shy of comatose. It used to be pretty active and informative.

 

[GHT]

Curmudgeon? Me? Blame it on the ageing process.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/804...umour-fails-at-the-age-of-52-study-finds.html

 

[lthr]

I'm hoping some day to have enough money that I'll be eccentric instead of weird.

Oh you'll grow, don't worry. For now, you can secretly say you're eccentric!

 

[Big Man]

After having retired from 30 years working in a State mental hospital, I'm kind of partial to the lunatic class.

 

[Bushman]

Trolls - no use in any polite company whatsoever.

Curmudgeons - I've met a few of these kinds of people. They're typically Debby Downers and the few that I've met seem to become irrationally defensive at being told to "lighten up". Generally, I find they're not any good in any position of power as the ones I've met have a habit of thrusting their own sour moods onto other people and then banning said people who don't want to be sourpusses. Contrary to what Lizzie said, I don't think I've met any curmudgeons on here yet. Plenty of vintage enthusiasts, but nobody on here seems to be stuck in the past to the point of being grouchy over any new idea.

Lunatics are also generally annoying, and in my experience, don't last long on Internet forums simply because they have a tendency towards extremely off topic posts and spamming. I find they're usually people who don't tend to stick around, either, as their randomness usually is very off putting to other forum members. The odd thing about them is they genuinely don't seem to want to cause trouble, but they don't know enough online etiquette not to.

 

[LizzieMaine]

To be fair, some of the more randomly puzzling types we've had here in the past have actually been people for whom English wasn't a first language, and we do generally try to give the benefit of the doubt. It's only when it becomes clear that language isn't the root of the problem that we escort them to the door.

When I think of curmudgeons, I think of people like Henry Morgan or Cleveland Amory or Fred Allen or Andy Rooney or Dorothy Parker -- people who didn't just complain, but had fun with it. Anybody can p. and moan, but it takes skill to be entertaining while doing so. I think that's a worthy goal to shoot for.

 

[Bushman]

To be fair, some of the more randomly puzzling types we've had here in the past have actually been people for whom English wasn't a first language, and we do generally try to give the benefit of the doubt. It's only when it becomes clear that language isn't the root of the problem that we escort them to the door.

I too notice there often seems to be a common association between "lunatics" and non-English speaking members.

 

[Edward]

A large problem these days is hired trolls sent to discredit and derail forums their pay masters disagree with, are afraid of, or want destroyed for any reason. You won't see that here but I see it all the time on forums that are more oriented towards social, political or business issues. If your forum deviates from the mainstream approved line you will be attacked, discredited and if possible destroyed.


PS I am a little curious about which category I fit in. I was going for Curmudgeon but will settle for loon.

Very common on political forums to have obvious shills.


whatever label you gives folks, I'm fine as long as they're not rude, mean spirited, or hypocritical. We've had a few of those while I've been here, and I appreciate the mods slinging them out.

 

[Stearmen]

I'm hoping some day to have enough money that I'll be eccentric instead of weird.

The difference between an insane man and an eccentric man: the eccentric man can afford the army to prove he is Napoleon! [video=youtube;A5p_fplluZ8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5p_fplluZ8[/video]

 

[Trapped in T-wilight Zone]

Interesting thread. In the first place, I was born sarcastic. Then, while still little, I wanted to grow up to be like the old man in the Shirley Temple movies. So I definitely fit into the curmudgeon category, probably with a side of crazy. You have to be a little crazy to actually prefer to drive cars built 30 to 40 years before you were born. And I am WAY TOO BROKE to ever be considered eccentric.
As relative newcomer here, I do need to be a little careful. Another Antique Automobile forum (which for now shall remain nameless) of which I spend way too much time on, does have a tendency to serious thread drifts. Sometimes a little too much into politics (although I do believe that in the long run, that is a very important discussion). The fact is, I can rant with the worst of them. But I do try to contain myself there, and will work harder at it here because "I have read the rules".
That other forum is quite active. With a more limited prime subject matter, they do not have nearly as many users as the FL has, however most of the regulars are on often, sharing photographs, discussing history, how to make repairs, and what is proper for the various years and models involved. For many of us there, it is more like a local club, and most of the regulars have become good friends, even if they never do get to meet face to face. Many threads go completely Off-Topic into other hobbies and interests, family issues, birthdays, you name it. Some regulars do not like that OT stuff. But most of us do seem to like it because they are people that we have come to care about. And we like to know what is going on in their lives.
I see some of the same thing on this forum. Maybe not so much, though. And the "politics" thing is said to be specifically a no-no. My advice for here? DO NOT let the politics get out much. A "friendly" forum such as this, with as many regular users as this place has? Could turn nasty real quick if allowed to.
A lot of thread subjects cannot totally avoid politics. that is just a fact. (Anything to do with firearms, or declining standards, among others)
Anyway. Good thread. I hope I didn't drift it too much.
W2

 

[hatguy1]

Hurt. Without question.


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